Key Takeaways:
- Major League Soccer will implement a new calendar from the 2027/2028 season, running July to May
- A transitional campaign, featuring 14 regular-season matches plus playoffs, will take place from February to May 2027
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed public support for the alignment with Europe’s football calendar
Season Structure to Undergo Significant Shift
Major League Soccer (MLS) has revealed plans to adjust its league schedule beginning with the 2027/2028 campaign. This change will see the season kick off in July and conclude in May, thus bringing the league’s calendar into line with those employed by prominent European competitions. The current MLS timetable spans from late February until early December and encompasses both the regular season and associated playoffs.
A new calendar for a global league.
Beginning in 2027, Major League Soccer will adopt a summer-to-spring season format — a historic evolution in the league’s competition calendar.
Details: https://t.co/YOlzd4oGDB pic.twitter.com/JYzdkKX01o
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 13, 2025
As part of the new system, MLS will institute a winter break, scheduled to extend from mid-December until the start of February. This is designed to synchronise more closely with global transfer market periods and further integrate the league with top international football schedules.
Implications for Transfer Markets and International Synchronisation
One major motivation for the calendar modification lies in harmonising transfer activity between MLS and the world’s premier football leagues. At present, the league’s primary transfer window runs from 31 January to 23 April, whereas the majority of global leagues complete most of their transfer business during the traditional summer window. With this overhaul, MLS intends to facilitate smoother player movement and deeper market integration.
Transitional Season and Implementation Timeline
In preparation for the new calendar, a transitional campaign will take place ahead of the 2027/2028 launch. This interim season, scheduled between February and May 2027, will comprise 14 regular-season fixtures, culminating in playoffs to determine the champion before the league adopts its new format.
| Season | Start Date | End Date | Format Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | End of February | Early December | Regular season & Playoffs |
| Transitional (2027) | February 2027 | May 2027 | 14 matches + Playoffs |
| New (2027/2028 Onwards) | July | May | Winter break (mid-December – early February), regular season & Playoffs |
Reaction from FIFA Leadership
The announcement drew a supportive response from FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “With the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, this announcement is an important and timely step for MLS. Over the past 30 seasons, MLS has built a solid foundation and has established itself as one of the top leagues in North America. By aligning with the international calendar, MLS is preparing for a new era of growth, both nationally and internationally,” he stated on social media.
